A SELEX-screened aptamer of human hepatitis B virus RNA encapsidation signal suppresses viral replication.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The specific interaction between hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase (P protein) and the ε RNA stem-loop on pregenomic (pg) RNA is crucial for viral replication. It triggers both pgRNA packaging and reverse transcription and thus represents an attractive antiviral target. RNA decoys mimicking ε in P protein binding but not supporting replication might represent novel HBV inhibitors. However, because generation of recombinant enzymatically active HBV polymerase is notoriously difficult, such decoys have as yet not been identified.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we used a SELEX approach, based on a new in vitro reconstitution system exploiting a recombinant truncated HBV P protein (miniP), to identify potential ε decoys in two large ε RNA pools with randomized u

SUBMITTER: Feng H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3220704 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature